World over people are drooling over ‘size zero’ damsels.  Much has been written about their diet fads and their exercise regimes and how they go about making thousands swoon! While they swirl and twirl in their attempt to fascinate the public, and make tons of money in the process, there has been a group of people who have been feeling increasingly alienated—of course I am talking about the chronically obese!

This group find themselves bearing the brunt of public ridicule and often realize with angst  that they are not welcome everywhere. Many become victims of self pity and low self esteem, withdraw into a shell and interact only with those who are  sympathetic towards them.
 Such a situation prompted a horizontally- challenged woman in the US  to start a fat club where obese individuals can assemble and interact without having to worry what the world thinks of them. It is a venue intended for plus -sized party animals who can flirt without fat being a cause of concern.

Let us remember one thing—this is not a group of geniuses, writers or political strategists assembling to exchange  ideas. This is a human assemblage that has resulted from discrimination that, probably, manifests as stares, uncalled- for comments and careless gestures. Instead of trying to motivate them to loose  weight for their own health’s sake, the community’s discriminatory mindset has alienated these large -sized individuals and has prompted them to form smaller islands within the community.

The ‘size zero’ ads with their ‘thin- is- in’ themes really does not help! These ads can be depressing for those who are chronically battling obesity and  can prompt them to go on a feeding binge!

Since eternity skin color, tone and race have been the basis of discrimination; physical and mental handicap have been other reasons. Now ‘obesity’ is the dirty word and a reason  to alienate fellow humans.  Tomorrow those with black eyes and black hair may be considered freaks and candidates to be sidelined. And the list will grow.

The  best thing that we can possibly do is to motivate  an obese individual in his battle with the bulge and guide him to lead a healthier life. It is time we recognize the discriminatory streak in us and work towards eliminating intolerance towards fellow humans!

Dr. Reeja Tharu